There is a piece of legislation pending in the Alaska Legislature that might not be there but for the efforts of a Ketchikan woman who saw a problem and worked to resolve it. And more important, because of her efforts, many more people in our community are aware of the problem. Read more...

Charles Alan May, 75, died March 1, 2010, in Ketchikan. He was born Oct. 20, 1934, in Seaside, Ore.

Marlene Eleanor Ulricksen, 77, died Feb. 22, 2010, in Mount Vernon, Wash.

Former Ketchikan resident Douglas James Holt, 49, died Feb. 28, 2010, at his mother's home in Odell, Ore.

Sixty-eight years ago, 183 Japanese warplanes demolished the U.S. Pacific fleet docked at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, killing more than 1,000 soldiers and marking the moment when the United States realized it no longer could stay out of World War II.

To remind Alaskans of that tragic day in U.S. history, Gov. Sean Parnell has ordered state flags to be flown at half-staff on Monday.

In a Friday statement, Parnell said, "The brave men and women of our armed forces during World War II are remembered for their courage, selfless dedication and sacrifice.

"We honor their service by doing our best to ensure the continued blessings of liberty and freedom for our children and our grandchildren.

"I ask that all Alaskans pause and remember our veterans across the state for their bravery and heroism."

It is particularly relevant now to remember and honor veterans from all of America's conflicts through the years, and to honor those soldiers still fighting for us overseas.

We appreciate our troops, past and present, as they risk their lives to protect our freedom.

Thank you.